Iran, Sudan discuss bilateral cooperation, investment
April 25, 2006 (TEHRAN) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Sudanese counterpart, President Omar al-Bashir, held a first round of talks on economic cooperation and investment between the two countries yesterday, IRNA news agency reported.
Al-Bashir, arrived in the iranian capital Monday 24 April afternoon on a three-day visit to Iran during which he will hold talks with Iranian President, and a number of snior Iranian officials on the bilateral relations and ways of consolidating them and the cooperation between the two countries.
Ahmadinejad said the expansion of friendly ties with all Islamic and African states, including Sudan, was a priority in Iran’s foreign policy. Tehran supports the independence, territorial integrity and development of Sudan, he added.
He expressed appreciation for Sudan’s stand on Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West over its peaceful nuclear technology.
“Expressing his satisfaction with the current level of Tehran-Khartoum cooperation, the Iranian president noted that the two countries shared identical views regarding establishment of a popular regime in Iraq, the Palestinian struggle against the occupying regime and establishment of global peace and security.
“The president made the suggestion that Sudan utilize Iran’s valuable experiences in the areas of oil, transportation, banking, health, agriculture, vehicle production and construction of power plants as well as water filtration plants,” IRNA said.
The Sudanese president appreciated Iran’s support for his country during many difficult periods. He welcomed the investment of Iranian companies in economic activities in Sudan, and voiced Khartoum’s readiness to facilitate foreign investment in various development projects in his country.
Earlier on 24 April, the Sudanese leader met Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki.
Mottaki said Iran had taken steps to activate the two countries’ joint commission and that President Ahmadinezhad had issued “serious instructions to concerned ministers towards this end.”
A special headquarters had been set up under the chairmanship of First Vice-President Parviz Davudi to boost ties with African states, he said.
(ST)